ENGLEWOOD, Colo. - After two days off, the Broncos were back to work on the practice field Thursday . And no one, especially quarterback Peyton Manning, sounded particularly concerned about the frigid air and surrounding snow.

After hitting 60-plus degrees this week, the temperature dropped into the teens Thursday morning, giving the Broncos a taste of what might await them at MetLife Stadium the night of Feb. 2.

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But cold, wind and snow is nothing new for this team. When asked if it was a cold-weather preview for Super Bowl XLVIII, Manning replied, "Yeah, might be.

"We've practiced in this and had to play in these types of conditions at different points in the year. So any time you can have a similar situation you can simulate during practice which it might be during a game, it always is a good thing.''

Most of Manning's teammates were just as indifferent about the weather. Asked about "special ways'' players can prepare for the cold, safety Mike Adams smiled and said: "The cold? We're talking about the Super Bowl. I'm not worried about the cold, I promise you that.

Cornerback Tony Carter said the forecast for Super Bowl Sunday shouldn't be an issue because the Broncos are used to freezing temperatures in Denver. But that doesn't mean they have to like it, receiver Andre Caldwell said.

"It definitely preps you for what to expect when you get to New York, being cold today,'' he said. "But I don't think you really get used to this cold weather. I don't like it much, but it's my job to go out there and play in it and make plays.''

Manning is much more interested in studying up on the Seahawks' defense, especially the secondary. The future Hall of Famer steered clear of giving a concrete assessment of the NFL's top-ranked unit because he's "just starting to get to know them.''

Except for a 40-10 preseason loss last Aug. 17 in Seattle, the Broncos don't have much experience against the Seahawks.

"I'm still kind of going through the preparation, trying to familiarize ourselves with the opponent, a lot of film to study, so still trying to get to know them at this point,'' Manning said. "But from what I've seen so far, it's certainly an excellent defense.''

Broncos coach John Fox was much more effusive in his praise of the Seahawks' defense.

"They're No. 1 in the league,'' said Fox, a former Giants defensive coordinator. "They've got outstanding length as a unit. They've got outstanding speed. They've got great route awareness and you can tell they're very well-coached. That's why they are where they're at.''

Fox also complimented Seattle's young quarterback, Russell Wilson, whom he saw play for North Carolina State when he was coaching the Carolina Panthers.

"I've known Russell for a while,'' Fox said. "Very impressive young man who has got some great experiences, maybe even through other sports. I think he's very mature for his age. We brought him out here for a special visit, and it doesn't surprise me at all he's had the success and he's where he is today.''